Friday, December 24, 2010

Why is stoning adulteress lawful?

I starting by quoting Surah 4 verse 15: “Those who commit immorality ( unlawful sexual intercourse) of your women bring against them four witnesses from among you. And if they testify confine them to houses until death takes them or God ordains for them another way.”

First, this verse clearly explains that the punishment is house arrest for the adulteress until death or until the person finds their way to God and repents. Second, it stipulates having four witness. I find it hard to believe that you can find four witnesses to adultery. I did not meet many people who commit adultery and post it on their Face Book. You know to let their friends and family know what’s on their mind on Face Book.

The following verse: “And the two who commit it (Unlawful sexual intercourse) among you punish them both. But if they repent and correct themselves leave them alone. Indeed Allah is ever accepting of repentance and Merciful.”

I love that God used the dual form which confirms that punishment is for both partners. The verb used for punishment is normally better translated as harm. It could be that meaning is to dishonor or punish lightly.